Tropical Storm Josephine (1996) - Meteorological History

Meteorological History

Josephine originated from a frontal system which remained stationary over the southwest Gulf of Mexico extremely late in September 1996. While this frontal system remained stationary, a broad area of convection was notable on satellite images. The broad area of convection appeared to be in relation to the frontal system; the area of disturbed weather also contributed to the development of a tropical wave in the vicinity, which reached the east Pacific and eventually became Hurricane Hernan. Although upper-level winds were only marginally favorable for development, a broad area of low pressure had formed in the Bay of Campeche on October 1. Despite the formation of the broad area of low pressure, deep convection associated with the system had not become persistent until October 3. The system received its initial Dvorak technique classification from the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch on October 4, when the surface circulation had become better defined. There was a strong pressure gradient between the system and a high pressure system near the Great Lakes region, with caused strong winds across the United States Gulf Coast.

Based on Air Force flights, surface and satellite data indicated that Tropical Depression Ten formed on October 4 at 1800 UTC. Between the 6th and 7 October, Josephine rapidly moved eastward and was nearing hurricane strength before upper level wind shear disrupted the storm structure. Later on the 7th, the storm made landfall near Apalachee Bay, Florida as a strong tropical storm. When the storm crossed the coast, it lost tropical characteristics and was declared an extratropical storm as it moved over Georgia. The extratropical remnants of Josephine evolved into a powerful nor'easter as it moved up the U.S. East coast and Atlantic Canada before merging with another extratropical storm on October 16.